Thai Politicians Play Games As Election Looms

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Politicians play games as election looms

By Piyanart Srivalo

After Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's announcement last week that he would dissolve the House of Representatives by the first week of May, political parties are reorganising themselves so they are ready to contest the election, expected to take place on June 26 or July 3.

The Constitution requires an MP candidate to have been a member of the party he or she represents for at least 90 days before election day. If the election is held because the House is dissolved, the requirement is reduced to 30 days.

Obviously the contest for the most seats will be between the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties. But the movements of the mid-sized and small parties are also something to watch.

The Ruam Chart Pattana Party led by Suwat Liptapanlop has joined hands with the "3Ps" group of Pinij Charusombat, Pairote Suwanchawee and Preecha Laohapongchana from the Puea Pandin Party - and former Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong has reportedly joined too.

Such manoeuvres are attempts to increase the bargaining power of the parties and groups, efforts to magnify their value.

The 3Ps group barely controls any MPs, while Suwat himself has fewer than five MPs in the Ruam Chart Pattana Party.

The latest example, involving the Chart Thai Pattana and Bhum Jai Thai parties, is another case: de facto leaders Banharn Silapa-archa and Newin Chidchob met for a "friendly lunch".

Sources said this was not just to increase the bargaining power with the Democrat Party, but also to negotiate for ministerial seats before the election.

In the upcoming election, Newin cannot be a selling point for the party. At the same time, accusations of corruption have been levelled against the ministries currently controlled by Bhum Jai Thai ministers.

Chart Thai Party is quite popular, with an image of neutrality and an ability to ally with either the Democrats or Pheu Thai.

More interesting is the new party of Pol Captain Purachai Piemsombun, former deputy prime minister and interior minister under Thaksin Shinawatra: Pracha Santi (Peaceful People).

The party, to be launched on Monday, is seen as a new choice for voters who have not taken a side - yellow, red, Democrat, Pheu Thai - in the country's political conflicts.

Party members include former national police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, former assistant police chief Pol General Pichit Kuandachakupt and the former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party, Panlert Baiyoke - a Pheu Thai financier.

Other members are Pol Lt-General Boonruang Polpanich and Pol Lt-General Boonteung Polpanich and aides such as Noppadol Inna.

Some reports said it was possible General Prawit Wongsuwan would follow his younger brother into this party.

The problem is that some coalition parties disagree with the prime minister's plan to dissolve the House so soon.

Banharn and Newin argued that he should have at least waited until the 2012 budget allocation and the reshuffle in October were out the way.

Abhisit - the sole holder of power - does not seem to care.

One reason could be that the government's popularity is declining amid problems such as alleged corruption in many ministries. The economy is also an issue: the cost of living is rising as prices of consumer products such as cooking palm oil, sugar and rice head upwards.

Other groups also disagreed with the snap election, saying that political conflicts remained in society and that House dissolution would not help. Rumours of a military coup have also spread from time to time.

When so many groups disagree with Abhisit's announcement, it is not surprising that the politicians are playing games in Parliament - on voting in the censure debate and the election-laws amendment, both of which are related to the election.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob, Newin's father, has given some signals. Out of nowhere, he ignored a government-whip resolution and delayed the censure debate, as observers suspected he wanted to give ministers in his party more time to prepare themselves.

There are reports Chai might postpone the no-confidence vote from Saturday to Tuesday.

He has also said the election-laws amendment might not be finished in time for Abhisit to dissolve the House in May.

With one hand the party tries to prepare for an election. With the other, it clings to ministerial seats as long as possible.

-- The Nation 2011-03-17

[SomTumTiger]

The political whores do their thing. Yawn

[tartempion]

More interesting is the new party of Pol Captain Purachai Piemsombun, former deputy prime minister and interior minister under Thaksin Shinawatra: Pracha Santi (Peaceful People).

The party, to be launched on Monday, is seen as a new choice for voters who have not taken a side - yellow, red, Democrat, Pheu Thai - in the country's political conflicts.

Party members include former national police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, former assistant police chief Pol General Pichit Kuandachakupt and the former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party, Panlert Baiyoke - a Pheu Thai financier.

Other members are Pol Lt-General Boonruang Polpanich and Pol Lt-General Boonteung Polpanich and aides such as Noppadol Inna.

Some reports said it was possible General Prawit Wongsuwan would follow his younger brother into this party.

A Police Party then???

Edited March 17, 2011 by tartempion

[tig28]

Some reports said it was possible General Prawit Wongsuwan would follow his younger brother into this party.

If there is any truth to this ..... matters could become quite interesting as Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is Defence Minister in the Abhisit government.

[Bagwan]

The political whores do their thing. Yawn

Yep. The name of the game is political musical chairs. No doubt that one of the pipers is Thaksin.

[animatic]

To dance or not to dance, that is the question.

Change Lobsters and DANCE!

There was never any real question to be asked.

[animatic]

More interesting is the new party of Pol Captain Purachai Piemsombun, former deputy prime minister and interior minister under Thaksin Shinawatra: Pracha Santi (Peaceful People).

The party, to be launched on Monday, is seen as a new choice for voters who have not taken a side - yellow, red, Democrat, Pheu Thai - in the country's political conflicts.

Party members include former national police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, former assistant police chief Pol General Pichit Kuandachakupt and the former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party, Panlert Baiyoke - a Pheu Thai financier.

Other members are Pol Lt-General Boonruang Polpanich and Pol Lt-General Boonteung Polpanich and aides such as Noppadol Inna.

Some reports said it was possible General Prawit Wongsuwan would follow his younger brother into this party.

A Police Party then???

Pretty much yes.

former national police chief

former assistant police chief

2 top level police generals

Vote for the Police Generals Party and you'll get a cut in your future.

Interesting that they are named the 'Peaceful People Party', PPP

made up of police generals, in contrast to retired army generals

See we are all peaceful men, just ask PAD.

And pretty much all with Thaksin ties in large measure;

DPM and interior minister under Thaksin

deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party

Pheu Thai financier.

As to General P.W. well they are betting Blood is thicker than Money. But even so lil bro has been a bit of a thorn for big bro the last few years.

Edited March 17, 2011 by animatic

[SomTumTiger]

Considering how much Thai people hate the police, I don't see then getting many votes.

[animatic]

Considering how much Thai people hate the police, I don't see then getting many votes.

Yes certainly,

but some may back them because it increases the generals face, and having a general like you because you helped increase his face can have benefits.

Edited March 17, 2011 by animatic

[Buchholz]

More interesting is the new party of Pol Captain Purachai Piemsombun, former deputy prime minister and interior minister under Thaksin Shinawatra: Pracha Santi (Peaceful People).

The party, to be launched on Monday, is seen as a new choice for voters who have not taken a side - yellow, red, Democrat, Pheu Thai - in the country's political conflicts.

Party members include former national police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, former assistant police chief Pol General Pichit Kuandachakupt and the former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party, Panlert Baiyoke - a Pheu Thai financier.

Other members are Pol Lt-General Boonruang Polpanich and Pol Lt-General Boonteung Polpanich and aides such as Noppadol Inna.

Some reports said it was possible General Prawit Wongsuwan would follow his younger brother into this party.

A Police Party then???

but what about Purachai's appointment last December?

Newly-appointed Minister of Humor

Purachai Piumsombun

Government Unveils Ministry Of Humor

.

Edited March 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[ratcatcher]

More interesting is the new party of Pol Captain Purachai Piemsombun, former deputy prime minister and interior minister under Thaksin Shinawatra: Pracha Santi (Peaceful People).

The party, to be launched on Monday, is seen as a new choice for voters who have not taken a side - yellow, red, Democrat, Pheu Thai - in the country's political conflicts.

Party members include former national police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, former assistant police chief Pol General Pichit Kuandachakupt and the former deputy secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party, Panlert Baiyoke - a Pheu Thai financier.

Other members are Pol Lt-General Boonruang Polpanich and Pol Lt-General Boonteung Polpanich and aides such as Noppadol Inna.

Some reports said it was possible General Prawit Wongsuwan would follow his younger brother into this party.

A Police Party then???

but what about Purachai's appointment last December?

Newly-appointed Minister of Humor

Purachai Piumsombun

Government Unveils Ministry Of Humor

.

So let's see, a new party name for fun.

PPPPPPP

PREVIOUSLY PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE POLICEMEN”S PEACEFUL POLITICAL PARTY

Otherwise known as “The Secret Policeman’s Ball”

[bapak]

"The latest example, involving the Chart Thai Pattana and Bhum Jai Thai parties, is another case: de facto leaders Banharn Silapa-archa and Newin Chidchob met for a "friendly lunch".

Pray tell? Does the ban on certain politicians mean anything?

[Buchholz]

"The latest example, involving the Chart Thai Pattana and Bhum Jai Thai parties, is another case: de facto leaders Banharn Silapa-archa and Newin Chidchob met for a "friendly lunch".

Pray tell? Does the ban on certain politicians mean anything?

For almost all of them it seems pretty much restricted to, they can't run for office themselves... and not much more.

.

[animatic]

Join the 5 5 5 Party

For the fun of it.

[NanLaew]

The political whores do their thing. Yawn

Yep. The name of the game is political musical chairs. No doubt that one of the pipers is Thaksin.

The inference that Thaksin plays the bagpipes is not only misinformed, it is hugely offensive to pipers everywhere.

[NanLaew]

Considering how much Thai people hate the police, I don't see then getting many votes.

Haven't been here long then?

What does the Thai police traditionally do in lieu of law enforcement? They collect MONEY. Doh!

The police aren't in this years pissing contest to get votes. Silly notion.